Casper Rammuana captures the essence and spirit of Chapchar Kut celebrations in the heart of Shillong city, as a tribute to the rich ancestry and culture of the Mizo community.
Chapchar Kut is a vibrant Mizo spring festival marking the completion of jungle-clearing for cultivation. Celebrated with traditional dances, folk songs, and feasting, it showcases Mizo heritage and unity. Originating from an ancient feast, it remains a cherished annual event, fostering cultural pride and community spirit.
On 7th March, the Shillong Mizo Community celebrated Chapchar Kut with great enthusiasm, honouring their rich cultural heritage and unity, at U Soso Tham Auditorium for the first time as it was usually celebrated at Mizoram House. Mizos from all over Shillong attended the event organised by Young Mizo Association (YMA) and Mizo Students Union (MSU).
Minister for Tourism, Art & Culture, Paul Lyngdoh graced the occasion as the chief guest, while the Deputy Resident Commissioner, Government of Mizoram, hosted the event.
Adding a special charm to the festivities, Lyngdoh mesmerised the audience with soulful performances of Redemption Song by Bob Marley and All My Loving by The Beatles. He highlighted the deep historical ties between the Mizo and Khasi communities, tracing their common ancestry to Southeast Asia. He urged unity among small communities for survival and growth, praising the Mizo people’s solidarity and recalling his student days working closely with North East students, especially the Mizos.
Outside the auditorium, a number of stalls selling an array of consumables were out for display and purchasing, including a fast food shop by Thalai Kristian Pawl (TKP), selling a variety of mizo traditional foods. The event featured captivating traditional dances, folk songs, and musical performances, paying tribute to Mizo heritage. The celebration was an effort towards strengthening cultural identity and fostered a deep sense of brotherhood, firmly establishing Chapchar Kut as a significant annual event in Shillong.
“It was overall a great experience, the cultural programme and the foods were great. But they should have allowed or provided traditional wine to make the event a little more similar to how we celebrate it in villages, but that’s ok, because that could raise a lot of questions and there are also kids attending the event.” says Eric Laldikzuala, a student at NEHU.
“I thank the organizers for hosting the programme here at U Soso Tham Auditorium instead of Mizoram House because there are more seats available here. And seeing many older people attend the event gives us a feeling of unity and pride” says Lalremruati, a shop owner from Happy Valley.
Chapchar Kut dates back to 1450-1700 A.D. when a Kawlni Chief ruled Suaipui, a prominent village located in present-day Myanmar. In those days, Mizo warriors and hunters aspired to prove their strength and bravery. Hunting expeditions were a common tradition, often led by the chief or his son, as success in hunting enhanced the village’s reputation. The first Chapchar Kut not only birthed the festival but also the Chai Dance (Chailam), which became synonymous with the occasion. Over time, this festival became an annual tradition, observed at the beginning of spring, when jhum fields were left to dry before burning. This period of leisure allowed the Mizo people to engage in festivities and cultural activities. Chapchar Kut was traditionally celebrated over five to six days, with each day having a specific theme and activities.
With the arrival of Christian missionaries in 1894, traditional Mizo festivals, including Chapchar Kut, were viewed as pagan practices due to their association with animism and drinking. The Presbyterian and Baptist churches actively discouraged participation. Over time, however, educated Mizos recognised the cultural significance of Chapchar Kut and sought to revive it in a refined manner, free from religious connotations.
By the 1950s, the Mizo District Council officially declared Chapchar Kut a public holiday, though it was not widely celebrated until the 1960s. Large-scale celebrations in Aizawl included Cheraw (Bamboo Dance), Khuallam, sports, and cultural performances. Despite initial opposition from the Church, the festival grew in popularity.
By the 1970s, Chapchar Kut became a key event for promoting Mizo culture and tourism. Since 1981, the State Level Committee has overseen the festival, and today, it is celebrated as a festival that celebrates the Mizo spirit of resilience, unity, and joy, making it one of the most cherished cultural traditions in the region.
Chapchar Kut stands as a testament to the resilience, unity, and cultural pride of the Mizo people. From its ancient origins as a feast to overcome adversity to its evolution into a grand annual celebration, the festival continues to thrive, preserving Mizo heritage while adapting to modern times. The Shillong celebration of Chapchar Kut highlights its enduring significance, bringing together people from all walks of life to honour tradition, foster community spirit, and strengthen cultural identity. As it continues to grow, Chapchar Kut remains a vibrant symbol of Mizo unity, celebrating their rich history and traditions for generations to come.
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